Nick Richards has found his next NBA destination, agreeing to a one-year deal with the Miami Heat, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
The 28-year-old center was among the big men still available on the free-agent market and will now get an opportunity to compete for a role in Miami’s rotation. His arrival also completes the Heat’s standard roster spots, with the franchise now carrying the NBA-required minimum of 14 players.
Richards joins Miami shortly after the organization reached an agreement with Klay Thompson, adding another frontcourt option as the Heat prepare for the 2026-27 season.
Free agent center Nick Richards has agreed to a one-year deal with the Miami Heat, sources tell ESPN. After signing Klay Thompson, the Heat fill roster slot No. 14 with a reserve big man. pic.twitter.com/gAsCfab8b4
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 27, 2026
Nick Richards brings six years of NBA experience to Miami
Richards spent the 2025-26 season with the Phoenix Suns and Chicago Bulls, appearing in 48 games overall. He averaged 5.8 points, 5.1 rebounds and 0.7 blocks while shooting 51.2 percent from the field.
After joining Chicago in February, Nick Richards saw his role increase and averaged 9.4 points and 7.6 rebounds in 20 games, including four starts.
The Jamaican center has played 305 regular-season games during his six NBA seasons, representing the Charlotte Hornets, Suns and Bulls. He has career averages of 7.1 points, 5.8 rebounds and 0.8 blocks, while shooting 62 percent from the field.
Selected 42nd overall by Charlotte in the 2020 NBA Draft after three seasons at Kentucky, Richards now joins Miami with an opportunity to compete for minutes in a frontcourt featuring Bam Adebayo and Bobby Portis.
Barcelona had also considered Richards
Richards’ future had also attracted attention in Europe before he found his new NBA home. According to reports from Catalan media cited by Gazzetta, Barcelona had considered the Jamaican center as a potential option for its frontcourt.
The Spanish club was exploring possible additions while Richards remained available in free agency, although there were no indications that talks had reached an advanced stage.
